Understanding Australia’s Genuine Student Requirement

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is essential for student visas in Australia. GS requirement assures that all students are genuine applicants. GS Australia’s primary purpose is to ensure that students are interested in staying in Australia for their education. 

Note: As of March 23, 2024, GTE has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in Australia. GTE will be outdated for students who file their Subclass (500) student visa on or after March 23, 2024.

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What is a Genuine Student Requirement?

The genuine Student (GS) requirement is one of the most important parts of the application process for an Australian student visa. Through the GS requirement, the Australian government ensures that international students are coming to gain education and not for any other cause.

To show that you are a genuine student and to fulfill the GS requirement, the documents required are:

• Academic Transcripts
• Employment proof along with period of employment and positions held
• Income tax returns or bank statements
• Potential career prospects which include salary and other benefits, after course completion
• Documents demonstrating strong ties and personal ties to home country
• Immigration History
• If under the age of 18, the intentions of the parent, legal guardian or spouse

Satisfying the Genuine Student Requirement

Several questions are asked to address the requirements in the online application form for GS requirements. Students must write the answers in English, with a maximum of 150 words per question. The questions are given below: 

• Details of the student’s current circumstances. Ties to family, community, employment, and economic circumstances.
• Why does the student wish to study this course in Australia with a particular university/college/educational institution?
• Explain your understanding of the requirements of the course and your study and living in Australia.
• Explain how the course will be beneficial to you.
• Details of any other relevant information.

How is the Genuine Student Requirement Assessed in Australia?

The Department of Home Affairs in Australia assesses and reviews your Genuine Student Requirements. The department considers students’ overall profile while determining whether they are genuine. There are important factors to consider when the GS requirement is being evaluated by the department, some of which are:

Situations in Home Country or Country of Residence

• Reason for not studying in the home country if a similar program is available
• Student’s ties to the country
• Economic circumstances
• Military service commitments political and civil unrest

Potential Situation in Australia

• Level of knowledge of living in Australia and living arrangements
• Level of knowledge of the proposed course and education provider
• Previous qualifications
• Research by the student into their proposed course of study

Course Value to Future

• If the course aligns with the current level of education
• If the course will assist the student in obtaining employment or improve employment prospect
• Expected salary and benefits based on qualifications from the course

Immigration History

• Visa and travel history
• Previous visa applications
• Visa refusals or cancellations

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Genuine Student Requirement Interview Questions for Australia

A GS requirement interview is held so that the interviewer can assess the student’s authenticity and genuineness. The student must be well prepared for the GS requirement interview questions for Australia. Some of the common questions asked in the interview are:

• Give a brief introduction about yourself and explain your academic background
• Do you have any work experience?
• Why Australia over other countries?
• Why did you choose this university and this program?
• What are your plans after graduation in Australia?
• What companies can you go to after graduation and what is your expected salary?
• How are you going to manage your expenses in Australia while studying?

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